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Ephesus

Ephesus was an ancient Greek city on the western coast of Anatolia, in present-day Turkey, near modern Selçuk in İzmir Province.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ephesus was an ancient Greek city on the western coast of Anatolia, in present-day Turkey, near modern Selçuk in İzmir Province. It became an important Ionian and later Roman city, known for its harbour, religious significance, and extensive archaeological remains. The site is now a major tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History

Ephesus originated as an ancient settlement in western Anatolia and later became one of the major Ionian Greek cities. It prospered under Hellenistic and Roman rule, and the city declined after late antique destruction and changing shoreline conditions.

Religion and Christianity

Ephesus was a major centre of worship for Artemis in antiquity. In the Christian era, it became an important site associated with St. Paul and early Christian communities.

Archaeology

The ruins of Ephesus include monumental streets, theatres, temples, and the Library of Celsus. The site is widely regarded as one of the most important and best-excavated ancient cities in the Mediterranean.

Modern significance

The archaeological remains lie near modern Selçuk and are a major visitor attraction in Türkiye. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015.

Key facts

  • Ephesus was an ancient Greek city in Ionia on the Aegean coast of Anatolia.
  • The city developed into a major commercial and religious centre in the ancient Mediterranean world.
  • Under Roman rule, Ephesus became the capital of the province of Asia.
  • The city is associated with the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
  • Ephesus has strong Christian associations, including connections with St. Paul and the Letter to the Ephesians.
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Canadian context

Ephesus is mainly relevant to Canadian readers as a major world heritage and travel destination, and as a historically important site studied in classical history, archaeology, and religious studies.

Frequently asked questions

What was Ephesus?
Ephesus was an ancient Greek city in western Anatolia that later became a major Roman city.
Where is Ephesus located today?
The ruins of Ephesus are near Selçuk in İzmir Province, Turkey.
Why is Ephesus famous?
It is known for its role as a major ancient port city, its association with the Temple of Artemis, and its well-preserved ruins.
Was Ephesus important in early Christianity?
Yes. Ephesus is linked with St. Paul and early Christian communities, and it is mentioned in Christian tradition and scripture.
Is Ephesus a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. The archaeological site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephesus
    Supports: General location, ancient Greek origin, and historical overview.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Ephesus
    Supports: Historical significance, Roman period, association with Artemis and early Christianity.
  3. University of Washington — https://depts.washington.edu/silkroad/cities/turkey/ephesus/ephesus.html
    Supports: Importance as a major Mediterranean city, harbor center, and Christian-era significance.
  4. World History Encyclopedia — https://www.worldhistory.org/ephesos/
    Supports: Settlement history, Greek identity, and UNESCO status.
  5. UNESCO — https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1018/
    Supports: World Heritage Site designation and site description.